Bunnings' bid to block silo project

HARDWARE giant Bunnings has objected to a dispensation application before the state planning commission to allow for the $20 million silos hotel development on North Bank.

Hotel developers Old Seaport Launceston lodged an application with the Tasmanian Planning Commission last year for dispensation of almost 7000 square metres of open space-zoned land on Lindsay Street to allow development of the 11-storey hotel.

Planning Tas director Irene Duckett, on behalf of the national chain, last week wrote to the Launceston City Council to express its opposition to the development.

She said that Bunnings had believed the area would be reserved for bulk goods retailing and that the proposal failed to deal with potential land use conflict.

She said there was little consideration for traffic and pedestrian infrastructure, or the on- street parking that may be generated from hotel patronage and visitors to the future North Bank public park.

Town planner Leon Murray, in the report to aldermen, said there was no merit to the issues raised by Ms Duckett and that the dispensation was consistent with the council's strategic planning and long term vision for the area.

He said the council would deal with any issues raised about the development once a development application was lodged.

Launceston aldermen on Tuesday will decide whether to support Mr Murray's report and provide it as a response to the planning commission.